Fujifilm GXF 50S Digital Medium Format Camera Announced!:
All of you probably already know but news like this is definitely deserving of a blog post, so the digital medium format Fuji GXF 50S mirrorless camera has been announced! For those wondering, yes, I want one :). In fact, I contacted my camera dealer Bergen County Camera, and already told Bob to get me one when it comes out!
Obviously, I’ve heard the rumors over the months like all of you, and I thought long and hard about it. I had the Hasselblad X1D on pre-order but for my purposes, I think the Fuji GXF will fit me better, although from the pics, it does look bigger (at least thicker), which doesn’t appeal to me too much. I handled the Hasselblad, and it is perfect ergonomically. But I love the fact that the GXF’s lenses have aperture rings. Plus, I love the analog dials on the GXF. The initial lens lineup also looks good. I can guarantee that I’ll be buying the GF 63mm F2.8 R WR, and GF 110mm F2 R LM WR. Also, I love the fact that Fuji are coming out with the GF 23mm F4 R LM WR! I love using 18mm lenses!
Here are some of the specs to the Fuji GXF 50S:
- 51.4 MP medium format sensor measuring 43.8 x32.9mm.
- “X-Processor Pro” imaging processor
- detachable viewfinder.
- Weather and dust resistant; will operate in temps as low as 14 degrees Fahrenheit \ -10 degrees Celsius.
- 1/4000s shutter speed.
Initial line up will be:
- GF 63mm F2.8 R WR (50mm equivalent).
- GF 32-64mm F4 R LM WR (25-51mm equivalent).
- GF 120mm F4 Macro R LM OIS WR 95mm equivalent).
- GF 110mm F2 R LM WR (87mm equivalent).
- GF 23mm F4 R LM WR (18mm equivalent).
- GF 45mm F2.8 R WR (35mm equivalent).
So, how about all of you? Anyone interested in purchasing the GXF 50S?
This is awesome! One thing that made me not pick the X1D are the lack of dial controls. But this is the big brother of X-T2. I’m set with the hasselblad digital back but it if wasn’t for that this will be an instant buy!
Dane
Hi Dane!
The X1D’s lack of dial controls was not my cup of tea either but surprisingly, the touch screen was really good! This is also coming from a person who usually shuts that feature off on most cameras :). I still prefer the size of the Hasselblad as well but the lens selection for the GXF is great. Plus, the analog controls are definitely a plus. Did you see that 110mm? That’s one lens that will definitely be in my bag :).
Best,
Patrick
Hi Patrick,
Shameless plug here. I finally got the courage to publish my portfolio blog. I started panicking when someone started commenting on the pages while I was still trying to figure out how to finish the site. I don’t know what I’m doing basically hehe. Anyway the 503CX arrives tomorrow and the back the day after. I’ll report as soon as I get home from work tomorrow!
Dane
Hi Dane!
Congratulations on your new site, and you’re more than welcomed to share it with us!!! Anytime buddy. I’ve always loved your work, and it will be very interesting to see what you get out of that 503CX and digital back :). Keep us updated!
Best,
Patrick
Thanks! The 503cx arrived but still waiting for the digital back but also arriving today.
Dane
Hi Dane!
Awesome! What do you think of the 503CX??? How about the digital back? I’ve always wanted a digital back for my 503CW. I think it’ so cool.
Best,
Patrick
Hi Patrick,
I posted some crappy samples from my blog. The focusing is a little tricky, I might need to send it for calibration. I its a little off but i know how to compensate now. I also have 8 rolls of film processed including the Brownie.
Dane
Hi Dane,
Good to see those examples on your blog! The focus can be quite tricky lol. Try it out on a tripod to see if it needs calibration because sometimes I find that when I’m using my 503CW, I’m also moving a bit while I’m focusing, which basically ruins my focusing :). Another option is to get one of those prism finders, which will make holding the camera easier.
Best,
Patrick
Hi Patrick,
I need to practice some more to get better. I tried it with the tripod and I know its user error haha! I did figure out that when I use f/2.8 aperture it doesn’t focus when the split image is aligned. I need to turn the focus ring clockwise by a hair to make it sharp. When I get to f/4 its sharp when split is aligned. I guess I just need to find the quirks, and theres a few with Hasselblad. I really found the focusing to be easy with the prism finder on the Bronica so I might try that on the 503CX. I really like the waist finder and would like to keep it that way since it shrinks the footprint of the camera compared to a prism. Comparing it the Bronica and Rolleiflex focusing the Hasselblad is a Diva! I have to work 3 times as hard! When I shot 35mm film with the Canon AE-1 with split, I get sharp images with a 95% success rate. Now I get 50% with the Hassy after 3 days of shooting. I’m being impatient thats all, I need to log more hours shooting.
I don’t know when my next visit to NYC is but we have to meet for sure. I’ll bring the Hassy back and lets try it on your Millennium. Will post more sample photos from todays shoot.
Got all the films processed but my scanner is being wonky. I get weird colors and when I redo the scans they change to different colors. I don’t know now if I want to share them haha! I’ll upload them on my blog and let me know if they pass and I’ll share them here.
Dane
Hi Dane,
There are plenty of quirks in the Hasselblad lol. It can take me some time to focus it correctly at f2.8 depending on the lighting. I didn’t want to purchase the prism finder mainly because of size as well. Plus, the waist level finder is kind of more traditional and old school, which I think is cool. Good luck with it. It should help with the digital back because you can see the results instantly while you practice.
If you stop by NYC, definitely let me know! It would be awesome to go out shooting with you!
I will take a look at your blog when I get home but I’m sure your photos are good :).
Best,
Patrick